Friends and family remember Teigan Martin, football player who died in a car accident

MAYER, Minnesota — Teigan Martin was a standout player on a standout team at Mayer Lutheran High School. He earned a Division I football scholarship at Liberty and then at South Florida.

Last week he died in a car accident while he’s at home in Minnesota. And that’s causing his family and friends to process the unthinkable and lean on faith and each other.

On hand for a day of reflection at Mayer Lutheran High School is a group of young men who were part of the 2021 state championship-winning football team. It’s a talented group, but someone is missing: Teigan Martin.

On Saturday, his teammates were reminded by his sister that they were the brothers he never had.

“He’s watching us right now. And for the rest of your life here. He’s so proud of you,” said Marley Martin.

This group came together and won his last season, but what matters today is the fact that they became his friends.

“He will always be loved,” Tyler Neitzel said.

They won a common title and shared memories. This week they shared common emotions.

“It was really hard,” said Cade Robbins. “It’s just about processing things, I mean, processing memories. For the first few days, I just cry.”

There is another team they are looking for: three younger sisters of Teigan who love their older brother, the one who teased them and the one who always protected them.

“Now I’m trying to be there for his sisters,” Neitzel said. “He has three younger sisters and I know they were a big part of their lives – he was – and so I just try to be there for them.”

Teigan will always be there for the state championship in fall 2021, but he will not be there for the reunions and spontaneous conversations with his boys – his team.

“It’s tough because I’m sure we’ll probably get back together and celebrate at some point, but never with Teigan by our side,” said Dean Aurich, Teigan’s coach.

There is a gap in the plight of a family strengthened by their faith but torn apart by the lack of light in their lives.

“We’re giving you over to the Lord,” Marley Martin said. “Make sure He takes the best care of you. Mommy will miss her little boy. And Dad won’t know what to do without his only son. You were everything to them and you are everything to us, Teigan.”